Big Plays, Bigger Moments: Elite 8 Standouts Deliver

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">In a gritty, possession-by-possession battle that felt like it could swing on every touch, Wenonah survived Sipsey Valley 48–44 in an Elite 8 showdown that had the gym on edge until the final horn. Sipsey Valley had a clean look from deep late to steal it, and the shot was in the air, the crowd was holding its breath, but the shot rattled out. Just like that, the Dragons were Final 4 bound. This was not a pretty, free-flowing offensive showcase. It was physical. It was strategic. It was a chess match against a stubborn zone that forced toughness and poise to the forefront. And these were the names that defined the night…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2699980' first='Brendon' last='Davis']</strong> (6'4/CG/'27/Wenonah)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: showtimebrendon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @BrendonDav40665</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Despite not having an efficient outing, Brendon still managed enough point production to help his squad punch their ticket to Birmingham. He struggled from behind the arc but was able to get penetration into the heart of the defense and find scoring opportunities, which he capitalized on while also showcasing his playmaking abilities. Sipsey Valley's zone defense stifled the Dragons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2472436' first='Santez' last='Pendleton']</strong> (6'3/Wing/'27/Wenonah)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">After the scoring outburst he had in the Sweet 16, Santez also appeared to be affected by the zone that Sipsey Valley played. He was still able to show his ability to score inside the arc and finish in traffic. He makes his presence felt when he gets paint touches, as he has nimble footwork, really good hands, and he understands how to maneuver in crowds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2472433' first='Devonte' last='Penn'] </strong>(5'9/CG/'27/Wenonah HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: Tayy.glizz</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @Wenonah_sports</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Devonte was able to stay out of foul trouble, and his outside shooting proved to be valuable. While Sipsey Valley sat in their zone and slowed down the Dragons, Devonte was able to stay on the floor, shoot it well from behind the arc, and his presence kept Sipsey Valley from being able to pack it in in the paint.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3038497' first='Phillip' last='Robinson']</strong> (6'4/Wing/'26/Sipsey Valley)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: Philgood3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @Phil_good3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Phillip showed his athleticism and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. He made big shots from behind the arc, but it was his ability to be an interior presence on defense and protect the rim that made it hard for Wenonah to get quality looks. He finished with 5 blocks but altered many more. There was no doubt that his athleticism was a difference maker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2967577' first='Colin' last='Warren']</strong> (6'2/SG/'27/Sipsey Valley)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: pureshot_15</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @cwarr3n15</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Colin was absolutely phenomenal on the offensive end of the floor and had a chance late to make the game-winning three to punch their ticket, yet it went in and popped out. He showed he can get his own shot off the dribble, has a nice mid-range game, shot it well from behind the arc, and used his size and strength to create space for his shot. He is a nice catch-and-shoot player and can also create offense for himself and score off the dribble.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">He did a really good job showcasing his ability to be the top option on one of the biggest stages of the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Cornelius Brown</strong> (6'1/Wing/'27/Sipsey Valley)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Cornelius had an off-night shooting in a game, in which the pace and style seemed to impact guys on both sides. Cornelius did not have an efficient night shooting the rock, but he still made winning plays and helped his team have a chance with his activity on the boards and hustle plays he made throughout the night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->